In follow up to yesterday’s message about the tragic loss of our Co-leader Robert from Malaysia, we want to provide more information on how we are processing and providing support to Robert’s family, the Co-leaders, and the broader November Project community.
Robert traveled over 40 hours from Malaysia to Boulder to attend November Project’s “Meeting of the Minds” (MoM). This is an annual 3-day gathering of global co-leaders where we engage in listening and collaborative learning sessions in order to foster growth in ourselves and our communities.
We are heartbroken over Robert’s death and are continuing to grieve. His sudden passing in the hours before the official opening of MoM has been difficult to navigate as individuals, as a community, and as an organization.
Our primary focus has been providing emotional, logistical, and financial support to Robert’s family. Bojan Mandaric, the executive director of November Project, has been in contact with Robert’s family every day. The decision to continue with MoM as planned has been an ongoing conversation between both Robert’s family and the Co-leaders.
We, as Co-leaders at MoM, were shocked and heartbroken when the news was shared with us. It has hung over every meeting, small group discussion, and 1:1 connection. In celebration of Robert’s life, we have made alterations to the schedule to continue to hold space for Robert and the grief that Co-leaders are experiencing. Grief is complicated and, due to our individual and unique life experiences, our processing has taken different forms. We couldn’t have asked for a better support system within each other during this time. As a community, we have also taken the time to recognize and remain grateful for every person, every day, and every opportunity we are given, understanding how precious each is.
The University of Colorado Boulder, where MoM is being held, immediately provided grief counselors and additional resources to all attendees. We thank the University for their support.
We have had members reach out to us to provide support and ask what is being done.
November Project is helping to arrange the logistical details to bring Robert home to his family. We will soon share how you can help and we will welcome your financial support to Robert’s family if you are able to give.
Due to the logistics of coordinating details across countries and time zones, in addition to dealing with the trauma of his death, everyone involved appreciates your patience and continued understanding as we finalize the process of bringing Robert and his family together.
We will provide additional information as appropriate. If you have any questions, concerns, or have anything to share, please feel free to reach out through the Contact form. Resources around trauma and grief can be provided upon request.
-November Project Co-leaders
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